I'm the proud owner of a Rickenbacker 4001 from '76, bought it second hand in Holland this summer... now, it wasn't delivered with a case, so right now I'm looking for a decent case... A Rickenbacker case is a bit too expensive for me, since I'm still a student... but through some Belgian online shop, I can order a Gator case for bassguitar:
Gator GC-bass dlx
ABS instrument case
Does anybody know if this case is also suitable for Rickenbacker Cases? Or if someone could advise me something else (not too expensive)?
I don't know about the gator case but I would try to take the bass to a music store to make sure it fits. Ric basses have the long upper horn. It may not fit because most generic cases are designed for Fender style instruments. This is from my experience. If I'm wrong about this someone correct me.
A case is something you dont wanna skimp too much on. There are usually one or 2 on Ebay at any given time, or they do sell the regular Ric cases at Music123.com or places like that. Most form-fitting cases don't fit Rics, however, I have one that is a TKL case that fits it nicely. It has to be wide open on the inside, though, no "form-fitting" stuff. It also holds my Hamer B12L! Very versatile case. It does NOT hold my Thunderbird, though, still looking for one of those.
"They make great f***'n basses". - Lemmy, NAMM 2009
Rick basses do not fit generic (P and J style)bass cases well. Take the advice of others and get a used RIC case if at all possible. Another possible option is to get a foam filled expedition grade gun case that is intended for multiple rifles or shotguns and cut the foam to an exact fit, but this will probably be more expensive than a bass case. They are usually built to higher standards than bass cases. Another plus of foam filled cases is the ability to custom cut the foam for accessories you carry like Bass Driver DI, pedals, tuner, tools, strap, strings, etc. The protection in unbeatable.
The Cabela's "Bullet Proof" aluminum gun case for two large scoped rifles is 52" x 14" x 4.5" and costs $159.99. Far more rugged than a regular bass case. Full length piano hinges. I'm considering one for my Spector bass which also doesn't fit generic bass cases well, and the plywood Spector case is at least $120. Other brands: Winchester double rifle cases, $99.99 and $144.99. Trikon double rifle case, $79.99. Plano double rifle cases $89.99 and $64.99. The ultimate is the Zero-Halliburton double rifle case with o-ring seals at $359.99, but few musician's are as well heeled as the African safari bound hunter that needs to protect his Holland & Holland or Weatherby big game rifles. My narrow Spector bass will fit in the double wide rifle cases with no problem, but a Rick bass might be a bit wide for some. The extra length allows accessories to be carried, but still fits in the back seats of automobiles, and the bright finish reflects heat. You can view these brands at the Cabela's website, and then do a search on eBay for a used one.
Any large city will have a hunting supply store where gun cases can be inspected. Don't be afraid because it's made for rifles and shotguns. If you can make it work, it's higher quality will serve you better. The regulations for locking up firearms is more stringent than musical instruments, so it can't be broken into as easily.
Rick basses do not fit generic (P and J style) bass cases well. Take the advice of others and get a used RIC case if at all possible. Another possible option is to get a foam filled expedition grade gun case that is intended for multiple rifles or shotguns and cut the foam to an exact fit, but this will probably be more expensive than a bass case. They are usually built to higher standards than bass cases. Another plus of foam filled cases is the ability to custom cut the foam for accessories you carry like Bass Driver DI, pedals, tuner, tools, strap, strings, etc. The protection in unbeatable.
The Cabela's "Bullet Proof" aluminum gun case for two large scoped rifles is 52" x 14" x 4.5" and costs $159.99. Far more rugged than a regular bass case. Full length piano hinges. I'm considering one for my Spector bass which also doesn't fit generic bass cases well, and the plywood Spector case is at least $120. Other brands: Winchester double rifle cases, $99.99 and $144.99. Trikon double rifle case, $79.99. Plano double rifle cases $89.99 and $64.99. The ultimate is the Zero-Halliburton double rifle case with o-ring seals at $359.99, but few musician's are as well heeled as the African safari bound hunter that needs to protect his Holland & Holland or Weatherby big game rifles. My narrow Spector bass will fit in the double wide rifle cases with no problem, but a Rick bass might be a bit wide for some. The extra length allows accessories to be carried, but still fits in the back seats of automobiles, and the bright finish reflects heat. You can view these brands at the Cabela's website, and then do a search on eBay for a used one.
Any large city will have a hunting supply store where gun cases can be inspected. Don't be afraid because it's made for rifles and shotguns. If you can make it work, it's higher quality will serve you better. The regulations for locking up firearms is more stringent than musical instruments, so it can't be broken into as easily.
Thnx for the advice! I'll try to look for a second hand case... but it's not always thàt easy so... Maybe if the store has the Gator cases in stock, I'll give it a try
Thnx for the advice! I'll try to look for a second hand case... but it's not always thàt easy so... Maybe if the store has the Gator cases in stock, I'll give it a try
AVOID GATOR CASES AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!! I am a teacher at a local high school. My principals also know I am a working musician and when the school's PA system died they asked me to put together a new one. When I went to get the gear at local music store, all they had in stock were Gator cases. I had to get 2 Gator racks for all the stuff we got and within 2 months both cases were screwed up. Latches wouldn't close, others wouldn't stay locked in place once they did close, handles broke, wheels on the racks broke. And this is just in moving the stuff from a storage room on one side of the gym to the other side of the gym. You have a Ric, I know you don't need me to explain the value of it, just remember like Mr. Cooper said a few posts ago, spend good money on a case...your Ric will love you for it!
How do you incorrectly use a case? I think I could figure that one out...Maybe it was just a bad batch of cases out of the factory or something, but when I got 2 cases at the same time and both went bad....I don't know, but I just lost confidence in them...
I've never had a Gator case. It's possible you got a couple of lemons from a run of cases that did not get properly checked for quality before they left the factory. You might be really surprised that some manufacturers do little or no Q.C. check on a product before it goes out the door.
I understand what it's like to lose confidence in buying a certain new product.
